Controls aquatic and terrestrial vegetation to support the District’s water management and natural resource protection missions using a variety of control techniques. These techniques include the proper mixing, calculating, and applying of a variety of approved herbicides according to product label directions and in accordance with the rules and regulations as set forth by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), State and County regulations and policies governing the application of herbicides.

Vegetation management activities will also include operation of mechanical harvesting equipment. Operates powered and manual equipment relative to vegetation management such as airboats, all-terrain vehicles, midsize tractors, outboard motorboats, aquatic vegetation harvesters (e.g., Truxor® amphibious machine, Conver® harvester, tow boats) chemical spray trucks, backpack sprayers including transporting, loading, and offloading of equipment.

Fills sprayer tanks with water and chemicals, according to formulas. Mixes herbicides and/or algaecides for application to vegetation or algae. Connects hoses and nozzles selected according to terrain, distribution pattern requirements, types of infestations, and velocities. Starts motors and engages machinery, such as sprayer agitators or pumps or portable spray equipment. Lifts, pushes, and swings nozzles, hoses, and tubes to direct spray over designated areas.

Maintains awareness of weather conditions, environmentally sensitive areas, drift potential, obstructions, and herbicide label restrictions when planning and implementing control activities.
Inspects and monitors District owned rights of ways, canals, levees, easements and other properties for undesirable vegetation growth and invasive/nuisance plant species, including species identified as priorities for rapid response control.

Prepares and maintains vegetation management reports and daily logs using District data collection software including, but not limited to treatment schedules and mapping of planned control activities.

Posts warning signs in treated areas to inform the public of any water use or re-entry restrictions.

Uses a map and/or GPS to identify location and record, reference or retrieve vegetation management data.

Incumbent must have a background and practical work experience in vegetation management, good verbal and written communication skills, ability to plan and manage workloads, enthusiasm, and temperament for dealing with harsh wetland field conditions, and willingness and commitment to actively contribute to a collaborative teamwork effort.

Working hours are Monday – Thursday from 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

All other duties as assigned.